Firemen’s Friend Fund Allows Members to Support VFDs
They answer the call when needed most — putting life and limb in danger to help those in desperate situations.
Their facilities serve as gathering points in rural communities that otherwise may not have a town hall, a post office or any other prominent building. They bring joy to children everywhere when they blare the horns of their magnificent red (or yellow) beasts during parades.
They are volunteer firefighters, and they provide incalculable value to the members of Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative’s territory.
“Volunteers are helping protect their community. It takes somebody with a helpful heart, helpful spirit to serve,” says Daniel Lee, Big Oak Volunteer Fire Department’s chief. “You’ve got to be a little crazy to see all the things we see, especially when it involves your neighbors — people you know. It takes someone with a helping heart.”
But even though most firefighters aren’t paid for their heroism and service, volunteer fire departments incur several expenses — many of them pricey. That is where CVEC members can help by contributing to their local fire departments through the cooperative’s Firemen’s Friend Fund.
The money will help ease the gap between state and county funding and the real costs of operating such a vital community service. “It would help us tremendously,” says Yancey Brown, Lay Lake VFD Chief. “We have several members in EMT (emergency medical technician) school. Any money would help.”
How it Works
The fund operates very simply. CVEC members can opt to make a monthly contribution to the VFD of their choice by completing a form online at coosavalleyec.com or by speaking to a member service representative during business hours.
Once a member’s request is registered, CVEC will collect the designated donation on that member’s monthly bill then pass the money to the desired location.
Lee says it is a perfect way for rural members to support an important resource in their communities.
“If you can’t physically be there to support our activities, it’s an easy way to help,” he says. “Some fundraisers are 50% and 70% gain once we finish paying for the costs. One hundred percent of the donation goes to us.”
How it Helps
It is likely obvious that a volunteer fire department’s largest expense would be the equipment needed to operate. But routine expenses can drain department budgets rather quickly, Waldo VFD Chief Larry Hurst notes.
“Our big payment every year is insurance,” he says. “It’s $10,800 for a year for three vehicles and the equipment in the vehicles.”
And VFDs aren’t exempt from utilities costs like gas and trash, Brown adds.
“We operate on a very limited budget,” Hurst says. Monthly collections through the Firemen’s Friend Fund would help offset some of the routine costs and benefit organizations that are already doing a lot with a little.
Brown says his department has about 23 volunteers to help cover roughly 40 square miles of territory. This includes about 33 miles of Lay Lake/Coosa River shoreline, where accidents can happen, as well.
Many in his department are receiving EMT training, and the goal is for even more volunteers to complete it. Lee notes his department does more than fight fires and respond to other emergencies, citing a very successful fire prevention program.
Started 16 years ago, Big Oak volunteer firefighters visit schools in Ohatchee, Alexandria, Glencoe and other places to discuss fire prevention tips. Shortly after the program was implemented, Big Oak firefighters noticed a steep decline in house fire calls.
To contribute to the Firemen’s Friend Fund complete the Firemen’s Friend Fund form. You can also call 800-273-7210 and speak with an MSR during normal operating hours.